How to Clean Mold with Tea Tree Oil

No one wants to find mold in their home, but according to the EPA, mold can be found almost anywhere. We think of mold being in the damp environment of the bathroom, but it can also grow on wood and carpet. If you find mold in your home, you don't have to turn to harsh chemicals that produce dangerous fumes and leave unsafe residues. You can naturally clean mold with with tea tree oil and distilled vinegar.

(Image: Susan Hudson)

Damp areas like bathrooms and showers will require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold growth. And if possible, increase the ventilation in the room with an open window or fan to slow mold reoccurrence. Spray this simple 2-ingredient cleaner every 2 to 3 days to keep your shower mold and mildew free.

Things You'll Need

2 cups distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil

Spray bottle

Measuring cups and spoons

Funnel (optional)

(Image: Susan Hudson)

Make the Cleaning Solution

Step 1

Measure and pour the vinegar into the spray bottle. Vinegar is an effective mold cleaner which can kill 82% of mold species.

(Image: Susan Hudson)

Step 2

Measure and add the tea tree essential oil. Tea tree oil is a power anti-fungal that can work on all types of mold. It does have a strong odor, but it will dissipate and isn't harmful to breathe in like some cleaners can be.

(Image: Susan Hudson) (Image: Susan Hudson)

Cleaning Tips

Step 1

Saturate the moldy area with the tea tree cleaner. The vinegar and tea tree will stink a bit, but you should not rinse it. Vinegar and tea tree oil will absorb into porous surfaces to kill mold beneath the surface, something bleach can't do.

(Image: Susan Hudson)

Step 2

After the area is dry, scrub it to remove all of the mold and mold stains. You can wet a rag with the tea tree cleaning solution to wipe the surface to remove any residual mold and spores. Spray the clean area again without rinsing to help prevent a reoccurrence of mold.

To keep moist areas like bathrooms mold and mildew free, spray your shower frequently (as often as daily) and do not rinse.